What is Square Dancing?
Modern square dancing today is a lively, structured social dance form where four couples form a square and execute choreographed moves called by a "caller." Unlike traditional square dancing, which relies on memorized sequences, modern square dancing uses a dynamic set of moves that can be combined in new ways during each dance, making it more versatile. The dancers respond to the caller's instructions, moving in harmony to a wide variety of music genres, from country to pop. This form emphasizes community, teamwork, and enjoyment, and is practiced worldwide with clubs offering lessons for all ages and skill levels.
Where can I dance as a Square Dancer?
There is a wide varity of options of where to dance. From dancing at a local club to regionl or national convensions. There are cruises and international travel destinations. You can dance one day a week or 5 days a week. There are lots of options available for fun and excitment.
What are the Levels of Dancing?
Square dancing has several levels like many dance forms (Line Dancing, Ballroom, Round, ...). You don't need to move up to other levels to have fun. You can dance and have fun at any level.
1. Social Square Dancing (SSD)
- Overview: This is the entry level for new dancers. It covers fundamental calls and movements.
- Number of Calls: 50
- Examples of Calls: Circle Left, Do-Si-Do, Promenade, Alamand Left
- Objective: To get people dancing and having fun.
2. Mainstream
- Overview: After learning the SSD level, dancers progress to Mainstream, which introduces additional calls and slightly more complex formations.
3. Plus
- Overview: This level builds on Mainstream by adding more challenging calls, increasing the complexity of formations.
- Number of Calls: 30 (in addition to Mainstream)
4. Advanced
- Focuses on more sophisticated calls, combinations, and sequences, requiring stronger understanding and quicker response.
Summary of Square Dance Levels
- SSD: For beginners, focusing on foundational calls.
- Mainstream: Adds more calls, introducing slightly more complexity.
- Plus: Intermediate level with more advanced moves.
- Advanced (A1 and A2): Increased complexity and faster pace.
History of Square Dancing
Square dancing has a rich history that spans centuries and cultures. It evolved from European folk dances such as the English country dance, French quadrille, and Irish jigs, which were brought to North America by settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. In these early dances, groups of four couples performed a series of figures, or choreographed steps, which formed the basis for modern square dancing.
As the dance spread across the United States, it adapted to local styles, particularly in the American South and West. In the 20th century, square dancing grew in popularity with the rise of radio and touring dance callers who standardized the moves and styles. This helped spread square dancing across the U.S. and later to other countries, including Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe.
Global interest in square dancing surged after World War II, with international organizations forming to promote the dance as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange. Today, square dancing is performed worldwide, often at festivals and gatherings. Modern square dancing continues to evolve, incorporating music from diverse genres and blending with other dance traditions, while maintaining its roots in community, coordination, and fun.
Modern square dancing today is a lively, structured social dance form where four couples form a square and execute choreographed moves called by a "caller." Unlike traditional square dancing, which relies on memorized sequences, modern square dancing uses a dynamic set of moves that can be combined in new ways during each dance, making it more versatile. The dancers respond to the caller's instructions, moving in harmony to a wide variety of music genres, from country to pop. This form emphasizes community, teamwork, and enjoyment, and is practiced worldwide with clubs offering lessons for all ages and skill levels.
Where can I dance as a Square Dancer?
There is a wide varity of options of where to dance. From dancing at a local club to regionl or national convensions. There are cruises and international travel destinations. You can dance one day a week or 5 days a week. There are lots of options available for fun and excitment.
What are the Levels of Dancing?
Square dancing has several levels like many dance forms (Line Dancing, Ballroom, Round, ...). You don't need to move up to other levels to have fun. You can dance and have fun at any level.
1. Social Square Dancing (SSD)
- Overview: This is the entry level for new dancers. It covers fundamental calls and movements.
- Number of Calls: 50
- Examples of Calls: Circle Left, Do-Si-Do, Promenade, Alamand Left
- Objective: To get people dancing and having fun.
2. Mainstream
- Overview: After learning the SSD level, dancers progress to Mainstream, which introduces additional calls and slightly more complex formations.
3. Plus
- Overview: This level builds on Mainstream by adding more challenging calls, increasing the complexity of formations.
- Number of Calls: 30 (in addition to Mainstream)
4. Advanced
- Focuses on more sophisticated calls, combinations, and sequences, requiring stronger understanding and quicker response.
Summary of Square Dance Levels
- SSD: For beginners, focusing on foundational calls.
- Mainstream: Adds more calls, introducing slightly more complexity.
- Plus: Intermediate level with more advanced moves.
- Advanced (A1 and A2): Increased complexity and faster pace.
History of Square Dancing
Square dancing has a rich history that spans centuries and cultures. It evolved from European folk dances such as the English country dance, French quadrille, and Irish jigs, which were brought to North America by settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. In these early dances, groups of four couples performed a series of figures, or choreographed steps, which formed the basis for modern square dancing.
As the dance spread across the United States, it adapted to local styles, particularly in the American South and West. In the 20th century, square dancing grew in popularity with the rise of radio and touring dance callers who standardized the moves and styles. This helped spread square dancing across the U.S. and later to other countries, including Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe.
Global interest in square dancing surged after World War II, with international organizations forming to promote the dance as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange. Today, square dancing is performed worldwide, often at festivals and gatherings. Modern square dancing continues to evolve, incorporating music from diverse genres and blending with other dance traditions, while maintaining its roots in community, coordination, and fun.
